Gen Z takes film culture IRL

Young Australians continue to be among the country's most frequent cinemagoers, despite growing competition from streaming and social media, according to Roy Morgan Research.

But Gen Z's engagement with film extends beyond the cinema, with young audiences increasingly connecting through online and in-person film communities.

Social media platform Letterboxd has emerged as a popular space for audience-driven film criticism.

With over 17 million users worldwide, Letterboxd is rising in popularity with Gen Z. 

Its interface allows users to post reviews, curate film lists and add ‘friends’, creating an online space for film discussion and interaction.

That interest is also extending to in-person film spaces. Recently, Monash University students started their own student and staff-run Caulfield Film Club (CFC).

CFC committee member Gleb Shvetsov said Letterboxd's appeal to young people came down to its social aspect.

“When you hear people talking about Letterboxd, they would say ‘Who do you follow?’, ‘What did this other person think of a movie that I like or disliked?’,” he said. 

He said film criticism was also a way for people who enjoy films to connect and build a sense of community.

“As much as people like to laud the idea of very deep film criticism, I think at the root of it is a desire to feel smart, and I think people shouldn't be ashamed of that,” Shvetsov said. 

Running since 1948, ACMI’s Cinémathèque is the city's longest-running film society, while cinemas such as Cinema Nova have created their own clubs. 

For some, university spaces are the most accessible. 

Melbourne University has its own Film Society, and Monash University has another film club in Clayton. 

Lithy, a member of the Monash Student Association (MSA) Clayton Film Club, said films appealed to young people because there was less room for distraction in a theatre setting. 

“We are a lot more drawn to visual media,” she said. 

CFC brought together students to watch the nostalgic Scott Pilgrim vs the World and many attendees mentioned they came to make new friends with shared interests. 

Film major Lisa said she loved going to the cinema and watching films in person, but found it less common with the rise of streaming platforms.

“Having these events like Caulfield Film Club are bringing so many young people together who do love films and going to films, which creates such a good culture,” she said. 

Fellow CFC member Giselle said going to a film club was a good way to meet like-minded people.

“You end up making new friends,” she said.